During the hearing, a policewoman told the court she believed the defendants were part of an organised crime gang responsible for up to 40 other similar robberies.

She said five street lights were turned off beside the filling station to facilitate the robbery, with those involved allegedly opening a manhole and cutting telephone wires to prevent alarms going off.

The officer said at least four people were seen on CCTV and told the court that a black Mercedes had travelled from Crossgar to Irvinestown the night before the theft, returning to Crossgar at 5am the following day.

The judge ordered all six of the accused to appear in court again on August 28.